Summary Box: Unemployment declines in 18 states, fewer than in previous months

Summary Box: 18 states report drop in unemployment

STATE UNEMPLOYMENT LEVELS OUT: Unemployment fell in 18 states and Washington, D.C. in July, while it increased in 14 states and stayed the same in 18, the government said Friday. That’s a slowdown from the previous three months, when more than 30 states reported drops.

BRIGHT SPOTS: Massachusetts and New York both reported strong job growth. Massachusetts added 19,200 private sector jobs, the largest monthly gain in 20 years.

WARNING SIGNS: Manufacturers added jobs in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio. But economists warned that it might not last unless consumers ramp up their spending.